Ten fun facts about Quito

Fact 1Quito is home to one of the largest, least-altered and best preserved historic centers in the Americas.

Fact 2It is the second highest official capital in the world, standing at 9,350 feet above sea level.

Fact 3Because of the city's Spanish and Incan origins, its formal name is San Fransisco de Quito.

Fact 4Quito's first metro line began construction in 2012 and is expected to be operational in 2016. It was given a $205 million loan by the World Bank.

Fact 5Although Quito is close to the equator, its elevation allows it to have a fairly cool climate with afternoon temperature of approximately 65.7 degrees.

Fact 6'Secuestro express' crimes are on the rise in Quito; this is when a passenger enters a taxi and the taxi is then intercepted by an armed accomplice of the driver. They are robbed, beaten and even raped.

Fact 7There are three active volcanoes within 100 kilometers of Quito. They primarily threaten the city with ash fall.

Fact 8The Hotel Plaza Grande, a five-star luxury hotel, is located inside a restored Spanish colonial mansion, which formerly belonged to one of the earliest colonial inhabitants of Quito.

Fact 9The Basilica of the National Vow, a Roman Catholic church located in Quito, is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.

Fact 10More commonly a tourist attraction, Quito's rail system is used for transport, running through the Andes Mountains between cliffs, canyons and rivers.